Deli Meat Recall - 33 Hospitalized, 2 Deaths in Listeria Outbreak

Many of us love to get that fresh sliced meat from the deli counter at your local grocery store, deli, or sandwich shop but right now there is a major recall on Boar's Head branded deli meats, primarily on liverwurst, but the recall doesn't stop there.

Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc. is recalling all liverwurst products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today, July 26, 2024. Additionally, the company is recalling other deli meats produced on the same line and day as the liverwurst, totaling approximately 207,528 pounds of products.

Recalled Products:

Liverwurst produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, with a 44-day shelf life.
- 3.5-lb. loaves in plastic casing or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, labeled “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA” with sell by dates from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 2024.
Other Deli Meats produced on June 27, 2024.
- 9.5-lb. and 4.5-lb. full product or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, “Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10”.
- 4-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, “Boar’s Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10”.
- 6-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, “Boar’s Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10”.
- 4-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, “Boar’s Head BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10”.
- 2.5-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, “Boar’s Head BEEF SALAMI” with sell by date “AUG 10”.
- 5.5-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, “Boar’s Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT” with sell by date “AUG 15”.
- 3-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, “Boar’s Head GARLIC BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10”.
- 3-lb. or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, “Boar’s Head BEEF BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10”.

The affected products were distributed to retail delis nationwide and show the establishment number of “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Discovery and Investigation

The recall was initiated after the Maryland Department of Health found Listeria monocytogenes in an unopened liverwurst sample during an outbreak investigation. FSIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state health departments are investigating a multistate outbreak linked to deli meats, with 34 cases identified in 13 states, resulting in 33 hospitalizations and two deaths.

Health Risks

Listeriosis can result in severe illness, especially in pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, it can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths in pregnant women, and serious or fatal infections in vulnerable individuals. Treatment involves antibiotics, and those experiencing symptoms after consuming the recalled products should seek medical attention.

Consumer Action

FSIS urges consumers to check their refrigerators for the recalled products and discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Retailers should also ensure these products are removed from shelves and clean their facilities to prevent cross-contamination. FSIS will continue monitoring the recall to ensure all contaminated products are removed from commerce.

For further information, consumers can contact Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., Customer Service at 1-800-352-6277. For updates on the recall, visit the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov.